Partnering up to provide idyllic countryside wedding venue

Naturally our line of business brings us into contact with all manner of events but weddings are always particularly special, for obvious reasons, and we greatly enjoy doing what we can to help make each couple’s day as individual and memorable as possible.

Last summer we were privileged to play a part in Becky and John Cunningham’s gorgeous celebration at Barff House, in Brandesburton, East Yorkshire, an idyllic countryside property and grounds owned by John’s parents. We’re incredibly excited to say we have now entered into a partnership with Louisianna’s Weddings, a York-based organisation that offers amazing wedding packages at two Yorkshire venues, which has recently increased to three with the addition of – you guessed it – the stunning Barff House.

Lee Cowell, who runs sister company Louisianna’s Mobile Bars as well as Louisianna’s Weddings, tells us more about the new venture.

A wonderful place

“Our bar events company provided the drinks service at Becky and John’s wedding at Barff House,” said Lee. “It was the first time we’d worked with the Village Farm Marquees team but we clicked straightaway, because we share the same values of giving top quality customer service and we all genuinely care about our clients.”

It was immediately clear to all involved that this country farmhouse with its rustic gardens, woodlands and buildings was a very special place. Lee could see huge potential in the site as a delightful wedding venue, especially as Becky and John had put a tremendous effort into renovating the barn in which they held their party. But this was a private home – would the family wish to share their wonderful spot with other people? Fortunately the answer was yes, and Barff House Country Weddings was born!

“We are really looking forward to taking the venue’s first bookings in 2018. I think it will appeal to all sorts of couples, from those wanting a very small, peaceful gathering surrounded by nature, to bigger celebrations where up to 100 people can enjoy a knees-up in the barn,” added Lee.

Rustic surroundings

Barff House is billed as a ‘barn and marquee’ venue, which also offers overnight accommodation – the Shepherd’s Hut fits four people and is perfect as a honeymoon suite, while The Cart Shed self-contained apartment, a converted stable containing lots of original features, can accommodate up to six people with its three double rooms, kitchen and living room.

The beautifully renovated barn with its original oak beams has been dressed with lovely drapes and lighting, and includes a stage for a band or DJ. Lee said: “The acoustics in the barn are brilliant, it’s a great place for music and dancing.”

The grounds offer endless opportunities for making memories and capturing key moments on camera. The farmhouse features a glorious Georgian frontage with wisteria and roses framing the main door; a large grass lawn bordered with flowers is surrounded by leafy woodland, and a wooden swing has been decorated with flowers and fairy lights, all creating a stunning backdrop to photos and film recordings that can be treasured for a lifetime.

“This is a very natural setting with lots of room for guests to explore. A section of the woodland has been kitted out with lanterns lending it an extra romantic feel, and it contains a firepit as well as a number of little dens where children can play,” said Lee.

The site is easily accessible from the main road to Brandesburton and offers tonnes of parking space for guests. Brandesburton is six miles from the seaside resort of Hornsea, eight miles from Beverley and 10 miles from Driffield.

The wedding package

Louisianna’s Weddings is offering couples a set-price package for their special day at Barff House. Lee said: “We help take all the stress out of organising your wedding day, it’s like coming to a one-stop shop where all your needs are taken care of. The package really does represent excellent value for money and we can advise couples on sourcing any additional elements they need. It includes an hour with well-known wedding planner Helen Davies too, who has masses of experience and knowledge and can really help take the headache out of all the decision-making.”

Guests will start the day with either a drinks reception or blessing ceremony on the stone frontage of the quaint two-storey farmhouse, before entering the lawn where a marquee from Village Farm Marquees, with table and chairs for up to 100 guests, is included in the price.

After hosting the wedding breakfast it's on to the barn with its white drapes, atmospheric fairy lighting and wooden stage. The bar area also meets the rustic theme with hay bales and a rustic pay-as-you go bar set up from Louisianna's Mobile Bars included.

Also included is two nights’ on-site accommodation in tranquil woodland retreats, perfect for a gathering the night before the big day and as a honeymoon suite on the night of the wedding. The Shepherds Hut is surrounded by trees and nature and makes the perfect setting for the happy couple to spend their first night. The Cart Shed is ideal for friends, family and bridesmaids to stay.

All power supplies and mobile toilets are included, and caterers have access to the kitchen.

Lee said: “Louisianna’s Weddings are experts in managing marquee wedding venues across Yorkshire, couples will have access to our extensive list of recommended suppliers and we provide the services and guidance of a dedicated weddings administrator as part of the package.

“There’s no doubt that Barff House is going to witness some magical celebrations this year, and we’re all thrilled to be a part of it,” he added.

Village Farm Marquees Co-director Chrysta Newman added: “Becky and John’s wedding, in the summer of 2017, was just magical. The family worked incredibly hard to transform his parents' home into a very magical wedding backdrop. Their beautiful wedding photos say it all really – and so we’re absolutely delighted that their family have decided to make it possible for other couples to enjoy the magical Barff House experience too.

“We’re even more made up that Lee has selected us as the marquee provider for this exciting venture, and are hugely looking forward to working with Barff House’s first couples in the near future.”

You can read the full story of Becky and John's big day here. If you would like to make an enquiry about Barff House, please contact Louisianna’s Weddings via Facebook, email lee@louisiannas.com or ring 07528 356693. To find out more about our marquee solutions, contact info@villagefarmmarquees.co.uk or call us on (01262) 468160.